Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Deputy Kievernagel:

After reading what your sister wrote in tribute to you on the NLEOMF personal tributes, I can see that you are deeply and infinitely loved and respected by her. I am so touched and moved by her words and feel such pride for your honorable service. I remember clearly the day you and Deputy Kevin Blount were tragically killed. I live very close to where the accident occurred and became alarmed and filled with a numbing dread when I heard all the sirens and saw the law enforcement vehicles rush past my home en route to the lake. I knew something was terribly wrong. When I heard what had happened my heart dropped, again. I felt heavy and so incredibly sad for what I knew your family had to face in the coming days, weeks, how everything would change forever. I am so sorry for your untimely death. Thank you so much for your service and commitment.

To Angela and the Kievernagel family, I share your pain and grief and know your loss. Most especially you, Angela, as a sister losing one you love so much, I know what that special bond is between a brother and a sister, and how deeply it hurts to lose him. I miss mine so much, just as you do. I wish you didn’t know how this feels, but please also know that unfortunately you and I aren’t alone in our heartache. We never walk this path alone. Keep being strong and positive. I felt comforted and ‘connected’ to you and your brother when I read your loving words. I share your loss. Thank you for loving your brother so much.

Respectfully,
Carmen Stevenson
Sister
Sgt Howard Stevenson, EOW 1/9/05

March 13, 2006

To Deputy Kievernagel and his loved ones:

On this the eighth month after your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

My heart is still with your family and I look forward to meeting them in Sacramento and/or D.C. You’re all in our thoughts and our prayers.

Joseph, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Joseph Kievernagel. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Joseph gave to his community and the citizens of Califonia, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on July 13, 2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 9, 2006

Joe, You covered me on the ground, you covered me from the air. I feel your presence still looking over me. These new set of wings are much quieter and they'll never fail you. We will meet again brother and I will find a way to repay you.

Detective Chris Rogers
Sacramento Co. Sheriff

January 24, 2006

My name is anton herman my father worked for CDC Officer Lyle Herman EOW 1988. My friend Ryan asked me one day if I wanted to go up in Star SIX Ryan was friends with the Kievernagel family. I said yes that would be awesome so me and ryan met with Joe at the station. I have to say I had the most memorable time flying with JOE and Kevin.I have been on many ride alongs but that was the first from the air. Joe rest in Peace thanks for the ride.

ANTON HERMAN

December 20, 2005

We think of you and your family during these holidays, and offer thoughts and prayers as you celebrate without your loved one. Cherish the memories of the past and be open to new ones with your loved ones and friends. Your loved one will never be forgotten and always honored for their sacrifice.

Alissa Scott
Widow of Wayne Scott
E.O.W. 09-10-02

Lisa Schultz
Widow of Don Schultz
E.O.W. 05-12-03

Co-Founders of Survivor Help Network
www.survivorhelpnetwork.org

November 29, 2005

Joe was my brother, a person who I admired more than any other person I know. He was a great officer, a wonderful brother and he was loved by everyone who knew him. I will remember Joe as a fine Deputy who loved flying and who loved his family, and his wife.
Joe and Kevin will never be forgotten. I thank God for the time I had to be his older sister. He will always be in my thoughts and I know he is watching over all of us still keeping us safe.
He and Kevin will always be "Our Heros in the Sky"

Debora Stark (Kievernagel)

October 30, 2005

Thank you Deputy Kievernagel for keeping us safe from bad. God bless you.

Renny Kassel
California Citizen

September 4, 2005

The men and women of the Mahomet Police Department extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Kievernagel.

Thank you for your service. God bless you.

Rest in peace Sir!

Mahomet, IL Police Dept.

August 19, 2005

Joe an Kevin, you were friends of mine and you will be solely missed. You helped myself and my commander out of some tough spots and we wish we could have returned the favor. God speed and may you rest in peace.

Chief Daniel Sherburne
Sundance Search & Rescue & Emergency Services

August 14, 2005

Thank you to Deputies Kievernagel and Blount for making the ultimate sacrifice for their communities. You are true heroes. Your service will not be forgotten.

Doc Souza
community member

August 8, 2005

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE
OFFICERS SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH DEPUTY
KIEVERNAGEL, HIS FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE BUFFALO, NEW YORK

August 7, 2005

To Deputy Sheriff Kievernagel: I wanted to extend my sincerest condolences to your family and friends and to your law enforcment family of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Dept. Reading your reflections, I was struck by several things. First, what a long career in law enforcement for such a young man. Your family must have been so proud of all your achievments. Second, your gift of service even as a youngster growing up. Not every kid would routinely mow a widowed neighbors's lawn just because it was a good thing to do. Third, the respect you garnered from other agencies you helped such as the Sacramento Police Dept. Benjamin Disrali said that no one should die with their music in them. Your song was heard loud and clear and still rings out. I have heard that your wounded collegue is still struggling, and my prayers go out to him and his family as well as yours and Officer Blount's family. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service you gave to your community and for the supreme sacrifice you and your family made in the line of duty. You will never be forgotten and will always be honored and remembered. Pride is forever and we are proud of you.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Officer Larry
Lasater, Pittsburg, P.D. eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya, Mother of fallen officer

August 5, 2005

Rest in Peace and my your spirit watch over your family and loved ones always.

I work at the hospital where the surviving officer is still be treated and we all will remember your commitment to your job and community as well as Deputy Sheriff Blount.

We think of the three officers involved in this tragic accident daily. You served the community without hesitation. May you rest in peace my brother.

Community Member

August 4, 2005

Joe, you made the ultimate sacrifice doing what you loved to do. You protected the citizens of this county with your last breath. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Deputy Chris Arbuckle
Sacramento County Sheriff

July 26, 2005

My fiancé, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis was a Deputy Sheriff with the Davis County Sheriff's Office in SE Iowa. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Joseph did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Joseph be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Deputy Kievernagel's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through these tough times, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you and that you are not alone in your "journey". Should you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. (Dennis' department will also always know how to reach me.)

As a fallen officer "survivor" and a friend, please accept my condolences on behalf of myself and the McElderry family. I never got the opportunity to know Joseph but, I am certain he was well respected and well loved. Joseph will live on in the hearts of all the lives he touched. You were all lucky to have had him be a part of your lives, even for a short time. I pray that Joseph will continue to watch over us all as only he can.

Thank you Deputy Kievernagel for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please say "hello" to my fiancé Dennis for me.

Wishing you brighter and better days,

Jocelyne :)

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

July 25, 2005

To the family of Deputy Kievernagel our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joe and Kevin watched over me from above during countless searches, pursuits and calls for service. Often they would alert me to a hot spot that ended up being a felon hiding nearby. Several times this week I’ve been on calls and searches without Star above wishing this had all just been a bad dream....waiting to hear the familiar and reassuring sound of air support sweeping in to cover us from above.

To the men and women of the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department....your brothers and sisters at the Sacramento Police Department stand by your side in this time of sorrow. Joe and Kevin are true heroes and will never be forgotten.

Dennis Joy #0624 K9 handler
Sacramento Police Department

July 23, 2005

As the on-call Chaplain for the hospital that night when Officer Kievernagle was brought in, I was privileged to work with the law enforcement people and Sherriff's chaplains in trying to provide comfort for the many friends, fellow law enforcement people and family who came to the hospital that evening. I was moved by the obvious love and support given to the family and to each other by all the law enforcement people I met. I thank this fine young man for his years of service, and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

April
Hospital Chaplain Intern

July 21, 2005

Joe-
I am thankful and feel very honored to have been an academy mate of yours (88-SBRA-1). You were not only a great officer dedicated to serving the citizens of Sacramento, but you were also someone anyone could feel comfortable calling a friend. I remember the first day of the academy when one of the instructors, Deputy Larry Phoenix, looked at the long sleeves of your recruit uniform and yelled at you like he would everyone else for the next 6 months. I felt a very special bond with you and the other two guys in our class who were all 18 years old trying to prove that even though we were young in age that were were much more mature mentally. All 4 of us proved the academy staff wrong on graduation day as we stood tall proudly wearing our Class A uniforms with shiny new badges pinned to them. I was so happy to hear when you had moved on to being a pilot in the Aero detail and never thought a tragedy like this would take someone like you from family, friends and the department. Instead of having wings pinned to your uniform, you now have wings permanently attached to your back. I know and hope your family can take solace in knowing that you are watching and protecting everyone from up above.

Ret. Deputy Sheriff Greg Meixner #858
Sacramento County Sheriff

July 21, 2005

Rest in Peace.

Darryl L. Paul, FFDO/Pilot
DHS

July 21, 2005

Rest In Peace.

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent/Pilot
FBI

July 21, 2005

In Honor Of Joseph Kievernagel and Kevin Blount



A little child waves, a mother smiles
A spouse gives a good bye kiss
An officer leaves for another day
And thinks ‘what could be better than this?’

Every day we go out and give it our best
No matter what work we’re assigned
So we can look back at the end of the day
And hold our heads up with pride.

Each of us knows the danger it holds
When we put on a badge and a gun
We accept the stress, the fear and long hours
To do what we know must be done.

Today is the day no one wants to see
Our tears flow as steady as rain
One of our own, a partner, a friend
Won’t be going home again.

No matter the uniform color or type
No matter a star or a shield
Officers everywhere mourn with us now
Because we lost one in the field.

Deputy Gail Naramore
Sacramento Sheriff's Department

July 20, 2005

I did not know Joe personally, but my husband and father-in-law did. They were in boys scouts together and Joe was my husbands scout buddy. I feel I know Joe from the stories they told me and my heart goes out to his family. My husband said he was a "true boy scout" and says he was a very good person. God be with you.

Vanessa Nichols

July 20, 2005

All the angels in Heaven are welcoming this fine young man and his friend Kevin. May God help their families and friends through this very, very sad time.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew these wonderful men, and especially to their families. I didn't know them, but I am so sad that they are no longer with us. I want to thank them for all that they have done to keep our streets safe. God bless them forever and ever.

Mary Hollander
n/a

July 20, 2005

"Though I walk throught the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me" Psalm 23:4

Slowly at first but most assuredly, The Lord provides comfort and release from the darkness. He gives light. He leads us out. Eventually, we escape the valley of the shadow.

Gone but never forgotten.

Michele Guthrie
Air Med Team~Columbia, CA

July 20, 2005

I did not know you. I admire the job you did and thank you for it. I hope your fellow officers and this community will continue to walk with your family, the road of grief they must now walk. I pray they keep in their hearts your service, your hard work and most of all, your spirit.

Thank you for keeping our community safe, and getting those criminals off the streets, making them safe for our children.

In spirit,
Tracy Hills

Tracy Hills
Community Member

July 20, 2005